Smoky Greek Grilled Eggplant Rolls with Creamy Feta Filling

Introduction

There is something undeniably transporting about the scent of eggplant sizzling on a hot grill; it instantly evokes memories of warm Mediterranean evenings and rustic, flavor-forward dining. When you prepare these Greek Grilled Eggplant Rolls on an Arteflame, you elevate a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece. The high heat of the flat-top griddle sears the eggplant slices perfectly, creating a smoky, caramelized exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, melting interior. It is a dish that celebrates texture as much as flavor, transforming the humble aubergine into a sophisticated appetizer or a light vegetarian main course.

This recipe focuses on the harmony between the earthy, savory notes of the grilled vegetable and the sharp, tangy brightness of the feta cheese filling. By incorporating fresh herbs and a hint of garlic, these rolls become a burst of freshness in every bite. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a stunning keto-friendly side dish, or simply craving the bold tastes of Greece, this dish delivers on all fronts. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve to your most discerning guests.

Ingredients

The Produce and Pantry Staples

• 2 large, firm eggplants (look for straight ones for easier slicing)
• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus more for brushing)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

The Creamy Feta Filling

• 8 oz Feta cheese, crumbled (use high-quality Greek sheep's milk feta if possible)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or Ricotta cheese (to bind the mixture)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped finely
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Eggplant

1. Wash the eggplants thoroughly and trim off the stem ends.
2. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the eggplants lengthwise into slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. You want them thin enough to roll but thick enough to hold their shape on the grill.
3. Lay the slices out on a baking sheet or wire rack. Sprinkle them generously with salt and let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This process, known as "degorging," draws out excess moisture and bitterness, ensuring the eggplant cooks up creamy rather than spongy.
4. Rinse the salt off quickly with water and pat the slices completely dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium-high heat on the flat cooktop surface.
2. Because the Arteflame has different heat zones, you will want to utilize the middle area of the flat top where the heat is consistent but not scorching hot like the center grate.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to ensure a non-stick surface for the delicate vegetable slices.

Step 3: Grill the Slices

1. Brush both sides of the dry eggplant slices with olive oil and season lightly with pepper (go easy on the salt as the feta is naturally salty).
2. Place the slices on the flat cooktop. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. You are looking for a beautiful golden-brown sear and visible grill marks. The eggplant should be pliable and tender, but not falling apart.
4. Once cooked, remove the slices from the grill and place them on a tray to cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Filling

1. While the eggplant is cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt (or ricotta), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped herbs, and dried oregano.
2. Mash the mixture with a fork until it is well combined. It should be somewhat paste-like but still retain the texture of the feta crumbles.
3. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning. Add the red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicy kick.

Step 5: Roll and Serve

1. Take a cooled slice of grilled eggplant. Place a generous tablespoon of the feta mixture at the wider end of the slice.
2. Gently roll the eggplant up, enclosing the filling inside. Place the roll seam-side down on a serving platter to keep it closed.
3. Repeat with the remaining slices and filling.
4. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish with more fresh herbs before serving.

Tips

The secret to perfect eggplant rolls lies largely in the preparation of the vegetable itself. Do not skip the salting step; drawing out the moisture is absolutely critical for achieving that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish so appealing. If you skip this, the eggplant can act like a sponge, soaking up too much oil and remaining tough or chewy. Additionally, when using an Arteflame or any flat-top grill, temperature management is key. If the surface is too hot, the outside will char before the inside is tender. Use the outer zones of the grill plate if the center is running too hot, allowing the eggplant to roast gently as it sears.

For the filling, texture matters. If your feta is very dry, the addition of Greek yogurt or a little bit of cream cheese acts as a necessary binder. Without this creamy element, the filling tends to crumble out of the rolls as you eat them. If you are preparing these for a party, you can grill the eggplant a day in advance and store the slices in the fridge with parchment paper between them. Bring them to room temperature before rolling to prevent the vegetable flesh from tearing.

Variations

While the classic Greek combination of feta and oregano is timeless, the neutral, smoky profile of grilled eggplant makes it an incredible canvas for culinary experimentation. You can easily pivot this recipe to match different cuisines or dietary requirements without losing the essence of the dish. For a heartier version, consider adding protein directly into the roll, or for a vegan crowd, utilize nut-based cheeses. The flexibility of the rolling technique means you can stuff these with almost anything that pairs well with smoke and char.

• The Carnivore: Place a thin slice of prosciutto or serrano ham on the eggplant slice before adding the cheese mixture for a salty, savory punch.
• Italian Style: Swap the feta for fresh mozzarella and basil leaves, and top the finished rolls with a warm marinara sauce.
• Vegan Delight: Replace the dairy cheese with a cashew-based ricotta blended with nutritional yeast and lemon zest.
• Spicy Moroccan: Mix harissa paste into the filling and garnish with toasted pine nuts and cilantro.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pistachios to the feta mixture for added texture and earthiness.

Best pairings

These Greek Grilled Eggplant Rolls are incredibly versatile, serving beautifully as a standalone appetizer or as a side dish to a larger feast. Their rich, savory, and tangy profile pairs exceptionally well with other Mediterranean flavors. When planning your menu, think about balancing the creamy richness of the cheese and the smoky oiliness of the eggplant with acid and crunch. They are right at home next to grilled meats, but they also shine on a vegetarian mezze platter surrounded by dips, breads, and fresh salads.

• Grilled Lamb: The gaminess of lamb chops or souvlaki is the perfect match for the sharp feta and earthy eggplant.
• Crisp White Wines: Pour a glass of Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc; the high acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Tzatziki & Pita: Serve alongside warm, grilled pita bread and a cool cucumber yogurt sauce for a complete Greek experience.
• Fresh Tomato Salad: A simple salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions adds a necessary fresh crunch to the meal.

Conclusion

Mastering these Greek Grilled Eggplant Rolls on your Arteflame is more than just following a recipe; it is about embracing the art of fire cooking and fresh ingredients. The combination of the smoky char from the grill and the cool, zesty bite of the feta filling creates a flavor profile that is complex yet incredibly comforting. It is a dish that looks sophisticated on the plate but is surprisingly forgiving to make, allowing you to impress friends and family with minimal stress.

We encourage you to fire up the grill and give this recipe a try this weekend. Experiment with the herbs, adjust the garlic to your liking, and make it your own. Food brings people together, and sharing a platter of these delicious rolls is sure to spark conversation and joy around your table. Don't forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it with the grilling community!